The Power of Chook

Is there no stopping the broodyness of my two little Pekin Bantams, Pippa and Poppy? Apparently not. For the second time this year they have decided that they want to be mums again. So it was back into Coventry / The Cooler for both of them, in the attempt to make them as uncomfortable as possible so that they snap out of the habit and start laying again.

I figured out why they started this time around. It coincided with a big egg day. Every chicken, bar one, laid an egg. There were four in one nesting box and three in the other. As it was a very hot day, Kim did not check on the girls at lunch time like she normally does due to fatigue. The eggs didn’t get collected until I got home at 6pm. Much to my surprise I found both little ladies warming up each clutch of eggs, rolling them over every so often to heat them evenly. I watched them for a little while to check out what they were up too, and they were definitely settled in for the duration. They were most upset when I turfed them both out of the boxes and stole their supposed “babies”.

Last Thursday morning, Kim called me to let me know that they were at it again and that she was too scared to nudge them lest they peck her. I suggested that we buy some fertile eggs and move the clucky girls to isolation to let them hatch. I was quite serious, but Kim was not impressed. “Too much hard work”, she said. “But Ben would love it”, I replied. “You would have to remodel the run”, she added. I stopped, thought, and then replied, “Lets not get any fertile eggs!” Maybe later.

I let the little girls out of isolation on Saturday afternoon, which may have been too early. They rushed straight back into a nesting box. So, I gathered them up and put them back into the cage. Another night would not hurt them.

7am Sunday morning, all of the chickens were quite vocal, with the bantams making the most racket. I let the little ones out into the front run with the other hens where they all waited for me to serve up breakfast for them in the back run. No sooner had I opened the flap on their house, they all stampeded to the feeder, including Pippa and Poppy. Great, they have snapped out of it, I thought to myself. I continued to check on them during the day, making sure I collected the eggs regularly so as not to give them an excuse to continue their broody ways.

One final head count before lock up for the night around dusk and we were two chooks short! Lo and behold, the two bantams were back in the nesting boxes, sitting on imaginary eggs. I turfed them off, they jumped onto a perch and I let Kim know what was going on. “Back to Coventry tomorrow?”, was her question. I agreed.

Yesterday morning, the naughty little ladies were back in the nesting boxes settling in for the day, or so they thought. I scooped them both up, popped them in the isolation cage and gave them fresh water and food. They are still in there today, with an estimated release date of Thursday evening or until their combs turn red again.

These beautiful little hens have such a powerful motherly instinct, and they are so bloody determined to hatch eggs that are just not theirs. The other hens really don’t know what all the fuss is about, as this instinct has been breed out of the ISA Brown. I like the bantams determination and grit. In a weird way they remind me of me!

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About Gavin Webber

Gavin Webber's daily goal is to live a more sustainable lifestyle, in an effort to reduce his family's environmental footprint so we can all make a difference for our children & future generations to come.

Thanks Gavin I thought I am only crazy on going enviro. I read your articles over and over again. I have got six lively girls. after reading your Royal Rooster success I have ordered one. I also started a worm farm last weeks. Thanks for the information you give Joyce

If we get that cooler change thought it will probably help your cause. Getting their core temperature down is the second part of flicking off the broodies and with the ambient being so high right now even in the drafty cage that isn’t happening.

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About Gavin Webber

An Ordinary Australian Man Who Has A Green Epiphany Whilst Watching A Documentary, Gets a Hybrid Car, Plants A Large Organic Vegetable Garden, Goes Totally Solar, Lowers Consumption, Feeds Composts Bins and Worms, Harvests Rainwater, Raises Chickens, Makes Cheese and Soap, and Eats Locally. All In The Effort To Reduce Our Family's Carbon Footprint So We Can Start Making A Difference For Our Children & Future Generations To Come.

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Podcast Reviews

Always inspiring and entertaining!

August 4, 2016 by floriographer from Australia

I've crowed about Gavin's podcast before but I just have to recommend it once again - I love that he shares his learning as well as his successes - it helps the rest of us try try try again! Thanks Gavin!

ms

July 22, 2016 by Ketaea12 from New Zealand

I really enjoy listening to Gavin, he has a kind lovely voice. He covers some great relevant topics for the everyday greenie. With lots of tips or how to or what not to do.
Thanks Gavin, love it!!

Well worth your time to tune in

October 23, 2015 by A Vision Splendid from Australia

I can highly recommend Gavin’s podcast !
I have followed Gavin’s blog since the very beginning and have loved to see his journey unfold. Gavin has a lovely speaking voice so this podcast is always very easy to listen to.
Gavin has a very authentic approach to his green living lifestyle. He shares the ups and downs but always provides motivation and practical steps that we can all implement.

very good

June 28, 2015 by Scared pax from United Kingdom

This is a great podcast if you want to improve your life in so many aspects and become a more sustainable person. I love the soothing voice, the good pace, and it contains lots of useful information. Recommended!

opened my eyes

May 25, 2015 by Gorn4lyfe from Australia

A wonderful show!

Inspiring

April 30, 2015 by Alan Whelan from Ireland

This is a great podcast if you're looking for practical info on saving money by living more sustainably from someone who's made that journey over the last few years. Told in a nice, easy conversational style

Green Living, inspiring and practical

January 8, 2015 by EliseMac from Australia

Thanks Gav for sharing what has (and hasn't) worked along your journey for living a greener lifestyle. Inspiring and achievable for anyone, I look forward to this podcast weekly.

Local food equals less waste

December 27, 2014 by allotmentadventureswithjean from Australia

Another brilliant podcast from Gavin Webber encouraging us, and showing us how, to cut down on food miles, growing our own food, and cutting down on food waste. Gavin is a really interesting speaker, showing us how to eat better, growing our own food and how to live more sustainably.

Honestly australian

December 15, 2014 by HodgepodgeOz from Australia

Fantastic podcast, with a wide variety of well thought and researched topics. Gavin is a honest, forthright pod aster with a genuine interest in helping others get green. Like a day alongside is a day wasted, so too is a week without listening to Gavin. Highly recommended for people starting out, or those in the midst of their new lifestyle. Keep it up Gavin, wish there were more great reviews! Kimberley

Morning motivation

December 8, 2014 by Bunnyworm from Australia

Gavin has a great passion for living this greener lifestyle that motivates others to do the same. The podcasts are always interesting and informative. :)

Passionate Advocate

October 18, 2014 by BoomOpGirl from Australia

Gavin's enthusiasm and passion for creating a more sustainable world is nothing short of contagious. Thanks Gav, you are my weekly source of motivation for living a sustainable life! :)

Gavin speaks from the heart

October 13, 2014 by Green gavin from Australia

Gavin's podcasts are required listening for anyone planning to live a more sustainable life. He doesn't preach, but tells you his story from the heart. You'll laugh, smile, share in his concerns and along the way you'll pick up some great tips on living a simple life.

Green thoughts, so well iterated

October 9, 2014 by Kwasikwami from Australia

This is a wonderful podcast. Not only does Gavin talk knowledgeably on a range of sustainability topics from gardening tips all the way to the issues facing humanity as a whole, but he does so in such a wonderful voice, it's like listening to my Dad, love it!!

Easy listening inspiration on being green

September 24, 2014 by Broomedy from Australia

Gav knows how to share his journey to a more sustainable life in a manner that shows just how easy it really is. Not to mention healthier, economically beneficial and generally rewarding. The podcasts are an easy way to absorb Gav's great lifestyle. I recommend to anyone.

Thanks Gavin!

August 31, 2014 by Honeywoodmilk from Australia

Great practical advice for a greener lifestyle. This podcast is for anybody interested in growing their own food in suburbia, saving electricity, brewing beer, making cheese, all that wonderful business and most of all, saving money! Thanks Gavin, love the podcast mate!

Enjoyed those ideas for staying warm

August 15, 2014 by enduringdragon from United States

Like you we are having winter here in Chile—brrr! Every bit we can save on heating we will.

Green Podcasts

July 26, 2014 by Carneu from Australia

Excellent podcasts, which are full of information to help get started on a sustainable lifestyle.

Practical ideas and inspiration

July 19, 2014 by HeathrowHeath from Australia

I highly recommend Gavin's podcast and blog. Down to earth, entertaining and inspirational. Thank you.

Interesting & easy to listen to

April 27, 2014 by Velocity3 from New Zealand

Gavin & his guests make this green journey lots of fun.

Great green listen

April 18, 2014 by Obscurenickname from Australia

Gavin is a great down to earth, tell it like it is aussie with a passion for sustainability and growing food and making cheese